Recently on Cyclingnews.com |
 Mt Hood Classic Photo ©: Swift |
On test: Campagnolo NEXT Thermo Textran Jacket & Raytech Thermo Textran Bib, April 5, 2006
Campy fights the cold, and wins, part 2
Mark Zalewski looks at two less-spendy alternatives to Campagnolo's Racing Waterproof Textran Convertible Jacket & Thermo Textran Bib.
NEXT Thermo Textran Jacket
|
|
|
|
|
|
The NEXT series by Campagnolo is equal parts form and function, providing a classic look that fit well with the company's history in cycling. This classic aesthetic is coupled with cutting-edge technology to give a modern feel to go with the old-school charm. This is not present more than with the Thermo Textran Jacket.
In a lot of ways, this jacket felt more like a thick, long-sleeve jersey with the look and feel of the material. The two-tone colour scheme with tradition Campagnolo script logo across the chest and back makes this jacket look like a classic wool garment. But the fabrics of this jacket/jersey are far beyond wool, (and the logos are reflective.) The Textran that is present in the Racing jacket is also here, but in a thicker version. While not consisting of multiple layers like the Racing jacket, this jacket/jersey utilizes different fabrics for the front, sides and back to give a waterproof, windproof and breathable front, slightly thinner thermal back and an exhaust-type fabric on the sides to disallow overheating.
The ends of the sleeves and waistband are only elasticated, unlike more expensive models with grippers, but I did not find significant problems with creating a good seal at the wrist or waist. The full zipper worked well and provided a good seal, while an ample neck area gave good protection. The rear pockets are typical three-pocket design that allow for ample storage, but not zipper storage to protect valuables from escaping or getting wet.
Fit was extremely nice in the chest and arms with the stretchable fabric conforming to my body. Again, I am a fan of large neck areas providing a tight seal to keep warmth in and to protect the throat, and this jacket filled the bill. I rode with a cool weather base layer underneath, and the jacket/jersey provided more than enough protection in temperatures from fifty degrees down to around forty. For lower temperatures, a heavier base layer combined with this jacket/jersey was needed to keep me dry and toasty down to twenty degrees and below. I really felt the use of the exhaust fabric along the sides. This was mostly positive in that I felt air able to circulate to keep me from overheating, but a couple of times when the wind was from the side, that air was a little too cold.
While this jacket/jersey has fewer features than its Racing cousin, the lower price makes for an attractive option that will give you a lot of function and protection in the cold.
Fabric: Thermo Textran (front); Thermal fabric (rear)
Colour: Sun, Lake, Fire, Black
Sizes: S-XXL
MSRP: €90
Pro: Competitive price, warm jacket, nice 'old-school' look
Con: Not as many options
More information: www.campagnolo.com
Cyclingnews rating: 
Raytech Thermo Textran Bib
|
The Raytech version of the Thermo Textran bib tight is a slightly less expensive option for cold weather riding. It is a nice tight on its own, but since it was sent to me with the Racing model, a comparison of features is warranted. The front portions of the tight are made of the same fabric as the Racing tight but the rear panel utilizes a Polypropylene fabric. This bib tight also has the option of with or without a chamois, though our test model was with a chamois. Although not quite as substantial as the Racing model, the chamois padding was comfortable and effective.
Another difference is that there is no zip-up in the upper body which is a nice but not necessary feature. Also, there is more internal stitching with three seams on the inside down the leg compared to two in the Racing version. This is a small but important aspect for me, who does not enjoy having permanent racing striped imbedded in my skin for hours after my ride. This was not much of a problem with these tights, but still present.
The use of reflective tape at certain points instead of the more consistent reflective piping is a difference, but I am not sure which is better when the sun begins to set. The Raytech uses reflective tape at the back of the calf while the Racing tight has reflective piping sewn in throughout. I think both models could use with a little more in this department -- perhaps combining both options. Like the Racing counterpart, the fitting was good around the mid-section and torso, and hit-and-miss around the knees and lower legs. Also similar was the stirrup design to keep the coverage down to the shoe line.
Weather-wise, this bib was better in cooler temperatures than in the downright cold. This was evident with the slightly lighter weight of the material, particularly on the inside lining. Therefore, this tight will perform better in mildly cool weather because it will allow increased breathability over the Racing model.
On its own, this bib tight performed up to expectations and is good value for the dollar compared to other brands in this price range. There are more colour 'options' as well, but this only comes in the form of the reverse stitching while the rest of the material remains black. Again, Campagnolo is an exercise in subtlety.
Fabric: Thermo Textran (front), Polypropylene winter (rear), Anatomical
EPP 3-layer chamois with X-Static®
Colour: Ruby, Jade, Black, Zephir
Sizes: S-XXL
MSRP: €110
Pro: Better price point
Con: Stitching a little bothersome, not for deep cold
More information: www.campagnolo.com
Cyclingnews rating:
See also: Racing Waterproof Textran Convertible Jacket & Thermo Textran Bib, Multi-season System Long X-S Sock
